Ignorance

One of the great things about the fire service is diversity. I'm not talking about the blasé definition pushed by the news media and political agenda...race. No, I'm talking about how we are an accumulation of multiple different backgrounds and skill sets. These experiences, perspectives and skills allow the opportunity for Fire/EMS crews to become objective powerhouses. One major thing that I've seen that stifles this potential from manifesting is ignorance. Purposeful ignorance. The type of ignorance where people may or may not consciously think to themselves, "I know this person has something to say, but I don't really care because they don't align with my lifestyle/opinions." Imagine the things that could be accomplished, the smooth operations of simple daily tasks, or the effective and exceptional saves and rescues that could be performed if we opened up and not only recognized the different abilities in our crew mates, but adopted some of their attributes as well.

Ralph Waldo Emerson captured this pitfall best when he said:

"In fact, the only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion."